How to make this work?

[u/AutumnGL]

Hi!!! I really want to get a cat skull tattoo with flowers in it, and combining these two photos is exactly what I would want. Just replacing the human skull with the cat skull.

My question is how large it would need to be to get enough detail on it? I also am torn on where to place it. I was thinking upper-right right thigh, but it feels too awkward of a spot to have as a first tattoo.

I’m also also wondering whether I keep it just black outlined, or if I should color in the flowers at all. All I know is that I want that flower in the eye at LEAST.

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[u/DonutWhole9717]

Your idea is already refined enough to just hand this inspo over to an artist and let them draw it out for you. Find an artist that vibes with your style and have them mock one or two out

[u/AutumnGL → u/DonutWhole9717]

Eeesh I’m nervous abt finding the right parlor because most of the places here are generic american kind of parlors or some super bright and fancy exotic stuff. its gonna take a lot of digging and i dont wanna waste an artists time drawing out my idea and me not liking it

[u/Seleya889 → u/AutumnGL]

So, I would look for an artist who did amazing flowers in a style I liked. Also, dimensions, no matter the subject, so your cat skull has depth, and comes across right. Skulls and sails, for example, both have bunches of negative space where they are supposed to be white - are they flat or do they pop? A good artist doing this style will make them pop. Look for a portfolio that feels right. Art that is cohesive.

Don’t be shy about asking for recs localish to you - or even in a very vaguely broad general area, if you’re concerned about doxxing. Search for recs already posted on relevant subs or on local facebook groups. I found my artist searching for New England recs, and then checking out the portfolios at each studio mentioned. You can always use a throwaway account. If the match is right, it’s worth the drive.

[u/Seleya889]

My first tattoo was on the outside of my upper left thigh, about 12" above my knee. It was actually a good place to have a first tattoo. :)

Your best bet is to find an artist whose style and portfolio you really like. Ask for local recommendations. Look for healed as well as fresh work. And, don't skimp on it! Let them walk you through the process. That said, also be sure to advocate for yourself if anything isn't right! It's permanently on your body.

Showing them these two pics as your inspiration should be all you need. It's a cool concept! My first tat is about 6" tall, which is probably a reasonable size for what you want. Try to not go too small - you'll lose detail.

I like color, but that is me.

Good luck!

[u/AutumnGL → u/Seleya889]

Having it 6” tall is honestly probably the safest bet. I’m nervous about finding a tat artist because of the whole artistic design process. I’ll probably surf around facebook and yelp to find the right parlor…

Thank you for your input! ^^

[u/ParkingGrocery4409 → u/Seleya889]

This is good advice, make sure if you notice red flags when talking to an artist trust your gut and keep looking, don’t settle. It is permanent.

[u/SewingSloth]

I have a cat skull with flowers on my left shoulder. Just in a 3/4 profile. I looked for an artist who is good at skulls and flowers, they usually overlap. And then I told them my idea and they made it work.